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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.